Where to get married in Tuscany

Florence will undoubtedly spring to mind when thinking about where to marry in Tuscany. Accessible by an international airport, the splendor of the Renaissance city sits nestled in its valley, cradled by the hills that surround it. Here lovers wander the cobbled streets, as enamoured with each other as they are with the enchanting atmosphere. Palazzo Vecchio is the seat of the city’s political power, standing proudly in Piazza della Signoria for over seven centuries; inside, civil ceremonies can take place in the Sala Rossa, the Sala di Lorenzo or in the Salone dei Cinquecento.

The city has no shortage of romantic sites. The Giardino delle Rose is a breathtaking terraced garden right beneath Piazzale Michelangelo. To have it as wedding location means to celebrate in front of an unparalleled view of the city, among 400 hundred varieties of roses, some dating back to the 16th century.

An easy to reach historic site is the Santa Maria Novella Complex, right next to Florence’s main train station. The former Infirmary can also hold the reception.

A stately villa is sure to be a spectacular location for special occasions, and Villa Vogel is one such site, positioned inside a magnificent park.

For a remarkable celebration in an Etruscan-Roman hilltop town, with splendid views of Florence, head to Fiesole. Here you can declare your love in the Roman Theatre that once held up to 3,000 spectators. You, humbly, can gather 150 guests if marrying on the terrace in front of the Archaeological Museum, or 400 if you choose the Roman Theatre itself.

Tuscan style is synonymous with rustic charm, unique details, sun-washed hillsides and stone farmhouses. Bringing all these elements together is Villa San Michele Belmond, snugly set into the hills of Fiesole. The Pensione Bencistà, with its marvellous panorama of Florence, is another well-known venue in the area.

Bagno a Ripoli is perfectly positioned between Florence and the Chianti area, making it ideal for exploratory adventures before and after the wedding.
The Oratory of Santa Caterina is a lovely setting for the ceremony, formed in 1354 in the Rimezzano farm, on the slopes of the Baroncelli hill. This traditional family farm is wonderfully relaxed with an understatedly simple exterior that belies the frescoed interior.
In Bagno a Ripoli there is also the Spedale del Bigallo: a marvel of medieval Florentine architecture with over 800 years of history. Borgo I Vicelli is a romantic country resort and a prestigious venue composed of several cottages, a 19th century villa, spa and private pool, surrounded by 17 hectares bordered by olive groves and enchanting woods. Li Zuti Country Villa, only a 15-minute drive from Florence, is an architectural gem with extraordinary gardens, a 16th century tower, luxurious suites for your guests, and a chestnut tree forest featuring a scenic waterfall.

Pontassieve, located at the spot where the river Sieve flows into the river Arno, is a unique setting with a truly Tuscan vibe. The Town Hall, home to the famous Sala delle Eroine (Hall of the Heroines), with its fresco cycle by Ferdinando Folchi depicting remarkable women, is available for civil ceremonies. Private venues in Pontassieve include Castello del Trebbio, a staggeringly beautiful centuries-old castle complete with farmhouses and pools, in the wine-growing area of Chianti Rufina; this is where the historic Pazzi Conspiracy took place, making it a fascinating location both for nature and history lovers. Other venues in the area are: Villa il Trebbiolo, Fattoria Lavacchio, Villa d'Arte Agriresort and Tenuta Villa Bossi.

Alternatively, Rignano sull'Arno, in the Valdarno area, hosts civil ceremonies in the Sala del Consiglio of the Town Hall. There are also many private venues to choose from, scattered among the hills: Fattoria di Castiglionchio, a 12th century fortified settlement, rich in history, art and culture; Villa Il Palagio, a modernly decorated yet historic structure, surrounded by vineyards. Also deserving a mention are the 11th century Volognano Castle and Fattoria Pagnana.

For more locations in and around the city: "Where to get married in Florence"

Siena is simply resplendent, with a wonderfully preserved medieval centre blending into the countryside around it. The Palazzo Pubblico (City Hall) stands tall beside the slender Torre del Mangia, in Piazza del Campo. Built between 1297 and 1319, the Palazzo preserves masterpieces of Sienese art by the likes of Ambrogio Lorenzetti and Simone Martini. There’s also the remarkable balcony of the Loggia dei Nove, where you can choose to say your vows overlooking Piazza del Campo, or you can do it in the Sala del Concistoro and then step outside into the Piazza for the first photographs as a married couple. Another location in the heart of Siena is the stunning Palazzo Patrizi, a recently renovated stately historic building, with frescoed ceilings and ample space to accommodate many guests. The Medici Fortress, also known as the Fort of Saint Barbara, is another great option, built between 1561-63 in the San Prospero neighbourhood. 

Between Siena and Massa Marittima, the complex of San Galgano Abbey is a historic site that assures an unforgettable wedding celebration. This significant Tuscan monastery, once one of the most prestigious examples of Italian Gothic-Cistercian architecture, preserves its charm with its dramatic roofless structure.

For more locations in and around the city: "Where to get married in Siena"

If you’ve always admired San Gimignano and longed to join hands among its historic walls and under its towers, have a look at the Palazzo Comunale, also known as Palazzo del Popolo or Palazzo Nuovo del Podestà, located in Piazza del Duomo next to the Collegiata, home of the Civic Museums of San Gimignano. On the first floor is the Sala del Consiglio, also known as Sala Dante, in memory of the visit that the Florentine poet made to San Gimignano in 1299, as ambassador of the Guelph league. Romantically, you can also find a fresco series with love scenes, attributed to Memmo di Filippuccio.

Wouldn't you like to get married in the land of the one of the greatest geniuses in the world? Declare your love in the birthplace of the artist, inventor and scientist Leonardo da Vinci. The farmhouse where he was born (Casa Natale di Leonardo) on April 15, 1452, in Anchiano, 3 kilometers from Vinci, is nestled among the hills and olive groves. This is the landscape that inspired him, and your wedding photographs will have the same background of some of his most famous paintings. Another option is the Leonardo Museum, a short distance from where he was born, a unique and memorable location that holds more than 300 works and objects, including his famous flying machines. Leonardo admirers will be glad to know that his favourite drink, Acquarosa, was discovered in the 16th century Villa Dianella, a Medici villa surrounded by a beautiful park and equipped with a sweet family chapel. It was also the favoured residence of the Empolese poet, Renato Fucini, who rests here. The last "Leonardo location" is Casale di Valle, overlooking the hills of Vinci and Cerreto Guidi; this rural yet refined residence features the "Leonardo’s vineyard", modelled on his birtplace's vineyard, one of his preferred drawing site.

Make memories in the Palazzo Pretorio of Certaldo, built between 1117 and 1164 and today the main exhibition site in town, home to Etruscan and Roman artefacts,as well as valuable works by the della Robbia school. Alternatively, set the date for a ceremony at Palazzo Giannozzi, with its 14th century Renaissance structures passed through by one of the most picturesque streets of Certaldo. Within the Palazzo complex is the striking paved terrace of Belvedere Calindri, a stunning stage for a sparkling day. 

Positioned on a high and isolated hill 380 meters above sea level, the historic center of Massa Marittima stands enclosed within a well-preserved city wall, a remnant of its medieval past. Sunrises, sunsets and surprises await in this magical land, where you can have a civil ceremony in the Palazzo Comunale. The inner courtyard of the Museo di San Pietro all'Orto is another extraordinary setting, while the Reading room of the municipal Library proves to be a popular choice for bibliophiles. The sculptural garden Sol omnibus lucet ("the sun shines for all") created by Maria Dompè and dedicated to partisan Norma Parenti, is an incredible location that will guarantee original and unmatched wedding photographs.

For stunning wedding locations in the middle of the sea: "Where to get married on Elba island"

For more information: tuscanyforweddings.com